Maine‘s City of Caribou continues its efforts to revive the riverfront district, now with an amended campground ordinance and a new committee in place.
After approving a plan for a new campground east of Limestone Street near the Aroostook River, the city has taken steps to ensure the area is more accessible to businesses in the future.
The city council voted to approve final changes to Caribou’s campground guidelines in December. The most significant changes, first approved in June 2021, permit a minimum of three acres of land within the R2, also known as the Residential Mixed Housing Zone, and no less than seven acres within the Rural Mixed Housing Zone (R3) to be developed for campgrounds.
The modifications allow campgrounds to be built in both districts, said Code Enforcement Officer Ken Murchison.
After councilors ok’d Troy Haney’s campground proposal in the R2 district last year, they reviewed the standards for campgrounds and updated the language to align with the current development goals.
For instance, the old standards required a visual buffer between properties and the riverfront. The requirement has since been removed as “it didn’t make sense to have something in place that blocked the view of the river from a campground,” Murchison said.
So far, Haney has built the main driveway that leads into the camping area. He’ll complete plumbing and electrical works when spring comes and build separate sites to accommodate nine campers. He hopes for the opening date of June 2022.
Haney claimed that his hometown has taken a proactive approach in changing the campground standards after learning his business concepts. With the increased enthusiasm for the riverfront, Haney hopes to start positive business developments.
The members of the newly-formed Caribou Riverfront Renaissance Committee believe they can spark the “rebirth” of the riverfront area. The committee is working on the master plan, which will define how to rebrand and promote the area as a recreational and business hub. The master plan will enable the city to be eligible for future economic development grants.
Isn’t it cool how Caribou is jazzing up its riverfront? Their efforts show a big commitment to community growth. Exciting times ahead for the revamped district!